Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 edition. Excerpt: ... 268 CHAPTER XII. CEREMONIAL. Ceremonies are combinations for some specific purpose of the elements of worship described in the two preceding chapters.* The Yengishiki is the chief authority for the following account of some of the more important ceremonies of Shinto. I have also availed myself freely of the results of Sir E. Satow's researches contained in vols. vii. and ix. of the T. A. S.f. '1 Ohonihe or Daijowe.--The Yengishiki places theOhonihe in a class by itself, as much the most solemn and important festival of the Shinto religion. Oho means great, and nihe food offering. It was substantially a more elaborate and sumptuous Nihi-name (new-tasting), or festival of first fruits, performed soon after the accession of a Mikado to the throne, and, like our coronation ceremony, constituting the formal religious sanction of his sovereignty. A modern Japanese writer explains its object as follows: "Anciently the Mikado received the auspicious grain from the Gods of Heaven, and therewithal nourished the people. In the Daijowe (or Ohonihe) the Mikado, when the grain became ripe, joined unto him the people in sincere veneration, and, as in duty bound, made return to the Gods of Heaven. He thereafter partook of it along with the nation. Thus the people learnt that the grain which they eat is no other than the seed bestowed on them by the Gods of Heaven" * "Un rite est un assemblage de symboles groupes autour d'une idee religieuse ou d'un acte religieux, destine i en rehausser le caractere solenne! ou bien a en developper le sens."--Reville, 'Prolegomenes.' In so far as the motive of the Japanese worshipper is concerned, this is, I think, nearer the mark than Mr.Frazer's: "Primitive peoples are, as a rule, reluctant to taste the annual...